Western Kentucky Defeats Missouri State 87-72 at Home
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 7:30 PM ET · E.A. Diddle Arena
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers 87, Missouri State Bears 72, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Missouri State Bears vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers?
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers beat Missouri State Bears 87-72 at E.A. Diddle Arena on January 14, 2026.
Who was favored in Missouri State Bears vs Western Kentucky Hilltoppers?
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -305 (about 75% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers secured an 87-72 victory over the Missouri State Bears at E.A. Diddle Arena. This game showcased the Hilltoppers' strong home performance, improving their record to 12-6, while the Bears fell to 10-8. The Hilltoppers, coming off a win against UTEP, demonstrated their offensive prowess, averaging 76.6 points scored over their last ten games, with a scoring average of 73.4 in their last five. Their recent form features a 6-4 record in the last ten games, including a current winning streak of one game.
Missouri State entered the game with a solid 7-3 record in their last ten outings, also riding a one-game winning streak after defeating Florida International. The Bears have averaged 74.4 points per game during this stretch, but their defensive efforts have allowed an average of 71.2 points. This game was crucial for both teams as they aim to improve their standings.
At home, Western Kentucky has performed well, boasting a 5-1 record, while their away record stands at 1-3. Conversely, Missouri State has been less effective on the road, holding a 1-3 away record, but they have excelled at home with a perfect 6-0 record. This home-court advantage is often pivotal in college basketball, and it played a significant role in this matchup.
The Hilltoppers and Bears have faced each other previously, but this game was particularly noteworthy due to the current form of both teams. The injury report did not indicate any significant absences that could impact the game's outcome, allowing both teams to field their best lineups.
Betting lines from DraftKings indicated that Western Kentucky was favored by 6.5 points, with a total set at 148.5. The odds reflected confidence in the Hilltoppers' ability to perform well at home, which they indeed demonstrated.
The game conditions were favorable for basketball, with a well-maintained court and enthusiastic home support contributing to the atmosphere. As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed key moments, including Terrion Murdix's floating jump shot and Teagan Moore's contributions from the free-throw line, which helped to solidify the Hilltoppers' lead in the second half.
In the end, Western Kentucky's ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities and maintain defensive pressure allowed them to pull away from Missouri State, culminating in a final score of 87-72.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | WKU -6.5 | 148.5 o -108 / u -112 | Missouri State Bears +245 · Western Kentucky Hilltoppers -305 |
Leaders
- PointsTeagan Moore20Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- AssistsTerrion Murdix6Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- ReboundsGrant Newell7Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
- PointsKeith Palek III24Missouri State Bears
- AssistsKeith Palek III5Missouri State Bears
- ReboundsMichael Osei-Bonsu7Missouri State Bears
Recent form
Western Kentucky Hilltoppers
Last 10: 6-4Streak W176.6 scored · 73.3 allowed per game5-1 at home
- W68-56at UTEP MinersJan 10
- L64-80at New Mexico State AggiesJan 9
- W66-61vs Louisiana Tech BulldogsJan 4
- W102-91vs Sam Houston BearkatsJan 2
- L67-78at Jacksonville State GamecocksDec 30
- L81-82vs Tulsa Golden HurricaneDec 20
- W102-59vs Campbellsville TigersDec 16
- L61-77at Marshall Thundering HerdDec 11
- W80-79vs Evansville Purple AcesDec 6
- W75-70vs Wichita State ShockersNov 29
Missouri State Bears
Last 10: 7-3Streak W174.4 scored · 71.2 allowed per game1-3 away
- W79-71vs Florida International PanthersJan 10
- L80-90at Kennesaw State OwlsJan 8
- W89-82vs New Mexico State AggiesJan 4
- W79-55vs UTEP MinersJan 3
- W61-43at Delaware Blue HensDec 29
- W70-65vs Lindenwood LionsDec 23
- W63-62vs Oral Roberts Golden EaglesDec 17
- L57-75at Xavier MusketeersDec 13
- L74-98at Tulsa Golden HurricaneDec 6
- W92-71vs Northeastern State RiverHawksNov 30
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty | 26-8 | - | 17-3 |
| Sam Houston | 22-12 | 4 | 13-7 |
| Louisiana Tech | 20-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Western Kentucky | 18-14 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Middle Tennessee | 17-15 | 6 | 11-9 |
| Kennesaw State | 21-14 | 7 | 10-10 |
| Jacksonville State | 15-17 | 7 | 10-10 |
| New Mexico State | 16-16 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Missouri State | 16-18 | 9 | 8-12 |
| Florida International | 15-17 | 9 | 8-12 |
| UTEP | 11-20 | 8 | 7-13 |
| Delaware | 10-21 | 11 | 6-14 |
Box score
| Stat | Missouri State Bears | Western Kentucky Hilltoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 24-57 | 28-55 |
| Field goal % | 42 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 9-35 | 7-16 |
| Three-point % | 26 | 44 |
| Free throws | 15-20 | 24-29 |
| Free throw % | 75 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 30 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 18 | 23 |
| Assists | 18 | 15 |
| Steals | 5 | 8 |
| Blocks | 2 | 0 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 6 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 2 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 38 |
| Fouls | 18 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 7 | 19 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 23 | 72 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half44-53Ryan Myers makes 23-foot three point jumper (Terrion Murdix assists)
- 2nd Half44-55Leeroy Odiahi makes 2-foot dunk (Terrion Murdix assists)
- 2nd Half45-55Michael Osei-Bonsu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-55Michael Osei-Bonsu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-56Terrion Murdix makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-57Terrion Murdix makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-58LJ Hackman makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-59LJ Hackman makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-61Ryan Myers makes driving layup
- 2nd Half48-61Keith Palek III makes driving layup
- 2nd Half49-61Keith Palek III makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half49-63Teagan Moore makes layup (Ryan Myers assists)
- 2nd Half49-65Teagan Moore makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half51-65Darrion Sutton makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half51-66Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-67Teagan Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-70LJ Hackman makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ryan Myers assists)
- 2nd Half54-70Trey Williams Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half54-71Noah Boyde makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-71Keith Palek III makes 12-foot jumper (Antwan Burnett assists)
- 2nd Half57-71Michael Osei-Bonsu makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-71Michael Osei-Bonsu makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-73Armelo Boone makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-73Zaxton King makes 25-foot three point jumper (Trey Williams Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half64-73Kobi Williams makes 23-foot three point jumper (Keith Palek III assists)
- 2nd Half64-75Teagan Moore makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-77Teagan Moore makes 11-foot jumper
- 2nd Half65-77Keith Palek III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-78Leeroy Odiahi makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half65-79Leeroy Odiahi makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-79Keith Palek III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-79Keith Palek III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half67-81Terrion Murdix makes 9-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half67-82Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-83Teagan Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-83Trey Williams Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Antwan Burnett assists)
- 2nd Half70-84Teagan Moore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-85Teagan Moore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-87Teagan Moore makes layup (Terrion Murdix assists)
- 2nd Half72-87Keith Palek III makes layup (Zaxton King assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours Western Kentucky Hilltoppers, below favours Missouri State Bears.
Venue
- E.A. Diddle ArenaBowling Green, KY
- Attendance2745
- OfficialsBarry Mathis, Chris Ford, Michael Wallace
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond